CZSteve

What is the best position for placement of the 5th wheel hitch centerline relative to the rear axle centerline?

I'm fabricating a custom rail base utilizing an existing goose neck hitch and will not be bound be existing factory frame holes that I believe most instructions from manufacturers use for placement for ease of installation.
(FYI - I will not be drilling or welding to the frame)

Notes:
Truck: '98 Dodge 2500 QC longbed w/ 5 spd Cummins
Hitch: Husky 16k w/ 4-way tilt.
Trailer: Have not gotten there yet...it'll be approx 13k weight

1, 3, 5 inches before axle?
Dead center of axle?
Thoughts???

Jeff in TD

From what I can tell, anything from above the rear axle to several inches ahead will be fine.

I'd probably shoot for about 3" ahead of the axle.

CarcajouCummins

Mine is behind the centerline of the axle and works great there. Put it where it suits your truck best. One thing you may want to consider, it it is too far forward, it will be difficult or even impossible to get into the front storage compartment of your fiver.

forwardho

CZSteve,
Mine is 1'' or 2'' in front of centerline of the axle. The truck and 5 th wheel do just fine.

OldDodgeOwner

My hitch I put in my Ford I set 3" in front of the axle with no problems. I think the B&W I have in my current truck is 5". I'd say 3-5" is ideal.